Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and defined toxoplasmosis serological patterns.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for toxoplasmosis was evaluated in serum samples presenting defined toxoplasmosis serological patterns, as determined by results in immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM immunofluorescence (IgG-IF, IgM-IF), hemagglutination, and complement fixation tests. ELISA was carried out with alkaline phosphatase-labeled anti-IgG and anti-IgM antibodies. Serum titer was expressed as the serum dilution end point determined by mere observation of color development in the test. A straight agreement was found between IgG-ELISA and IgG-IF titers, both in group A sera of ancient infections (patterns II and III) and group B sera of recent infections (pattern I). A similar agreement was found between IgG-ELISA and hemagglutination titers in group A sera, for which coincident IgG-IF and hemagglutination titers are also frequent. However, in group B sera, in spite of the same toxoplasma extract being used to sensitize both plastic surfaces and erythrocytes, IgG-ELISA titers were much higher than hemagglutination titers, in a way similar to that observed for IgG-IF titers. IgM-ELISA was positive in every group B serum, with higher titers than corresponding IgM-IF titers. Occasional low-titered positive IgM-ELISA results were seen for group A sera, sometimes due to IgM-antiglobulin antibodies. An easy test to perform, ELISA seems to be an adequate substitute for toxoplasmosis IF tests for routine purposes.     

RPGRIP1s with distinct neuronal localization and biochemical properties associate selectively with RanBP2 in amacrine neurons

RPGR and RPGRIP1 are molecular partners with vital roles in retinal function. Mutations in RPGR are implicated in heterogeneous retinal phenotypes, while those in RPGRIP1 lead to Leber congenital amaurosis. RPGR and RPGRIP1s differentially localize in photoreceptors among species. This may contribute to phenotype disparities among species bearing mutations in RPGR. However, it cannot account for the phenotype heterogeneity associated with RPGR- and RPGRIP1-linked mutations in the human. The existence of RPGRIP1 isoforms with distinct cellular, subcellular localizations and biochemical properties in the retina is shown. High mass RPGRIP1 isoforms, p175/p150, enriched in the outer segment (OS) compartment of photoreceptors are identified. The remaining isoforms are present across subcellular fractions, including nuclei and are soluble. The p175/p150 are predominantly sequestered in the cytoskeleton-insoluble fraction of OS and nuclei. In selective amacrine cells, and in the transformed photoreceptor line, 661W, RPGRIP1s localize at restricted foci to nuclear pore complexes and/or the vicinity of these. Among the nucleoporins, RPGRIP1 isoforms selectively associate in vivo with RanBP2 (Nup358). RPGRIP1s also decorate microtubules in 661W cells and occasionally form coiled-like inclusion bodies in the perikarya. These results support distinct but complementary functions of RPGRIP1 isoforms in cytoskeletal-mediated processes in photoreceptors and amacrine neurons, and may explain the Leber phenotype linked to RPGRIP1 mutations in humans. Moreover, the data implicate a role of RanBP2 in the pathogenesis of neuro(retino)pathies and as a docking station to mediate the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of RPGRIP1s and their interaction with other partners in amacrine and 661W neurons.     

Identification of MEN1 gene mutations in sporadic carcinoid tumors of the lung

Lung carcinoids occur sporadically and rarely in association with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). There are no well defined genetic abnormalities known to occur in these tumors. We studied 11 sporadic lung carcinoids for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the locus of the MEN1 gene on chromosome 11q13, and for mutations of the MEN1 gene using dideoxy fingerprinting. Additionally, a lung carcinoid from a MEN1 patient was studied. In four of 11 (36%) sporadic tumors, both copies of the MEN1 gene were inactivated. All four tumors showed the presence of a MEN1 gene mutation and loss of the other allele. Observed mutations included a 1 bp insertion, a 1 bp deletion, a 13 bp deletion and a single nucleotide substitution affecting a donor splice site. Each mutation predicts truncation or potentially complete loss of menin. The remaining seven tumors showed neither the presence of a MEN1 gene mutation nor 11q13 LOH. The tumor from the MEN1 patient showed LOH at chromosome 11q13 and a complex germline MEN1 gene mutation. The data implicate the MEN1 gene in the pathogenesis of sporadic lung carcinoids, representing the first defined genetic alteration in these tumors.      

The use of volunteers in mass screening for high blood pressure

This paper describes the effectiveness of an incentive-based approach to screening for hypertension by comparing it to two more typical on-site screenings. In the "bounty system," adolescents were trained and certified in blood pressure assessment to enable them to conduct door-to-door blood pressure screenings. The youths received incentives for various phases of their training and the screenings. The two other screenings were conducted in a worksite and a public "community" setting. It was evident that incentives played a major role in recruiting adolescents to volunteer as screeners. The final results, however, revealed that this contact did not result in an increase in the number of persons screened as had been predicted. This was due in part to the reluctance of residents to admit teenagers into their homes and related problems.     

A method for maintaining, in vitro, TV-monitoring and counting ciliary beat frequency of samples from human ciliated respiratory epithelium brushing

"Mucociliary clearance", from a clinical point of view, is one of the most important defense mechanisms of the respiratory mucosa. Clinicians, pneumologists and pharmacologists are greatly interested in methods investigating the cilia, considered the biological engine that continuously moves the physiological and/or pathological bronchial mucous secretions. This paper describes a method for the study of ciliary activity in man. By a simple brushing technique it is possible to obtain samples of ciliated respiratory epithelium, and the ciliary beat can be observed immediately by microscopy (Nomarsky differential interference contrast) in a small thermostatic perfusion chamber. The ciliary image is visualized on a TV monitor by means of a TV camera. Using a new type of digital counter with a phototransistor probe, the beat rate of a single cilium can be measured directly by the monitor screen under physiological or pathological conditions or under drug perfusion.     

Causes of anergy in the surgical patient and its relationship to postoperative sepsis

Between June 1981 and June 1983 the delayed hypersensitivity response (DHR) was studied in 401 patients considered for major surgical procedure: 320 of these patients underwent surgery. The incidence of sepsis and postoperative mortality was higher in anergic and relative anergic patients than in normal responders (p<0.001). To evaluate whether DHR depression in cancer patients was due to the direct effect of cancer or to tumour-linked malnutrition, the 401 patients were divided into 4 groups: 1) 140 malnourished cancer patients, 2) 51 malnourished non-cancer patients, 3) 120 well-nourished cancer patients and 4) 90 well-nourished non-cancer patients. The mean age was not significantly different for the 4 groups. The results showed a relationship between DHR and nutritional status (p<0.001). The tumour-related DHR impairment disappeared when the cancer and non-cancer patient groups were homogeneous with regard to their nutritional status. Therefore, the tumour was able to determine the DHR depression because of the cancer-linked malnutrition. We did not observe any relationship between local extension of the tumour and lymph node involvement and DHR depression. In 90 well-nourished non-cancer patients the relation between DHR and age was investigated. The incidence of anergy and relative anergy was higher in patients over 59 years than in patients under 60 years (p<0.001).     

Dietary Patterns During Pregnancy and Their Association with Gestational Weight Gain and Anthropometric Measurements at Birth

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Dietary patterns can influence maternal and child health outcomes. The study aims to characterize dietary patterns during pregnancy as well as to identify their...     

Coconut Oil Supplementation Does Not Affect Blood Pressure Variability and Oxidative Stress: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study in Stage-1 Hypertensive Patients

Exploring an alternative to improve the clinical management of hypertension, we tested the hypothesis that food supplementation with coconut oil (EVCO), alone or combined with aerobic exercise training, could exert an antihypertensive effect (primary outcome) in patients with stage 1 hypertension. Forty-five hypertensive volunteers of both genders participated in a placebo-controlled clinical trial. The volunteers were submitted to 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, analysis of blood pressure variability (BPV), measurement of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and nutritional assessment. Results indicate that EVCO consumption had no adverse effects. The supplementation did not increase the caloric intake compared with placebo, and the dietary constituents were similar between groups, except for the saturated fats, especially lauric acid. The analysis of blood pressure indicated absence of antihypertensive effect of EVCO alone or combined with physical training. Furthermore, no effects on blood pressure variability and oxidative stress were observed in the supplemented hypertensive patients. Thus, despite the results observed in pre-clinical studies, the current clinical study did not provide evidence to support the use of coconut oil as an adjuvant in the management of hypertension in humans.     

Analytical Assessment and Nutritional Adequacy of School Lunches in Sintra’s Public Primary Schools

School meals present several cost benefits overtime at the short, medium, and long term for individuals and society. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the nutritional composition and evaluate the adequacy of school lunches. One hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected and analysed from 10 primary schools in Sintra’s municipality, served during one week. On average, energy (27.7% daily energetic requirements) and carbohydrate (48.1%) contents did not reach the reference values, and the content of protein (19.5%) exceeded the reference value (p < 0.05). The mean total fat (28.8%) and saturated fatty acids (5.4%) content complied with the recommendations. The mean salt (1.7 g) and dietary fibre (8.3 g) content exceeded the reference value but did not differ significantly from the recommendations. Addressing school canteens is crucial, not only in a nutritional approach, but also as an opportunity to achieve healthier, sustainable, and accessible food systems, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We highlighted the importance of evaluating evidence-based practices and disseminated practice-based evidence regarding the adequacy of school lunches.